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Nature Nights

Nature Nights Summer 2013 - Starts Thursday, June 13 from 6 to 9 p.m. Event is free thanks to H-E-B.

Thursday evenings from 6 to 9 p.m. starting June 13, 2013

Join us for family fun Thursday evenings this summer. Nature Nights are fun explorations of plants, animals, and the ecology of Central Texas. Each evening features interactive presentations, hikes with experts in their fields, and nature crafting for kids of all ages. Nature Nights are supported through volunteer efforts by Capital Area Master Naturalists volunteers and programs.

NEW! Each Auditorium presentation will be ticketed for the first 250 people who receive a free ticket at the Admissions table. First come, first served. Tickets will be taken at the doors. Admittance into the Auditorium will not be permitted without a ticket.

The Cafe will be open from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. serving their regular menu items.

Kids 12 and under receive a free gift in the Gift Store.

Please come early as the parking lot fills up quickly. If the lot is full, please park on the street. Please only park in designated parking spots.


2013 Summer Nature Nights Schedule

Thursday, June 13- From Roots to Shoots
What is the difference between a root and a shoot? What is a monocot? What is a dicot? What do plants look like under a microscope? Is it possible for plants to be grown without soil? Come learn these answers at our first Nature Nights of the summer. Find out how different plant parts can be made into dye. Take a hike in the gardens and in our new Texas Arboretum with experts to learn more about our native plant life.

Austin Public Library will offer storytelling in the Little House at 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Go on a scavenger hunt in our Texas Arboretum and see if you can find the tree that resembles a famous furry blue creature. Learn about plants for wildlife. Make a tree out of a brown paper lunch bag and make a flower from your hand print. Let the Capital Area Master Naturalists help you learn about flower parts and then make a Native Flower Fan. And tell us what our twisted old tree looks like to you.

Thursday, June 20- Amphibians
Frogs, Newts, Toads, Salamanders, Sirens, Waterdogs....Are these the ingredients of a witch's brew? No, this is the topic of our Nature Nights on June 20. Amphibians!

Come find out about the difference between all these amphibians. Come and listen to Texas Parks and Wildlife give a presentation on the Texas Amphibian Watch, including frog and toad calls. Test your frog and toad knowledge. Learn about the endangered Barton Creek Salamander. Find out ways to make frog and toad calls with everyday objects with the Capital Area Master Naturalists. Take a walk on the wet side and learn about our amphibian friends and their habitat. And where will the scavenger hunt be? Near the water of course. Make an origami frog and then see how far your frog will jump. Then try your craft skills making a frog hat.

Thursday, June 27- Insects
Come and listen to Mike Quinn, Entomologist talk about insects. Take a walk on the wild side and find out about what might nibble the plants of the Wildflower Center. Try out a couple of our Mr. Smarty Plants Learning Stations, Insect Evidence and Butterflies. The Austin Public Library will have story time in the Little House at 6:30pm and 7:30pm. You will have a chance to make a Butterfly and a Ladybug hat. Build a bee out of construction paper/pipe cleaners and learn about a bee's body parts and the special dance they do with the Capital Area Master Naturalists.

Thursday, July 11- Birds of Prey

Thursday, July 18- Wildlife

Thursday, July 25- Snakes

Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor!

H-E-B

Thanks to our Media Sponsor!